Merry Christmas!

What a day is all I can say. Nicholas loved opening presents this year which was so much fun to watch and Joshua did try to open a few, but then would get sidetracked. He wanted to play with his toys, but Nicholas said everything was his and would take it away. Fun age don't you think....We stopped to eat breakfast (french toast and bacon) and then for Joshua's naptime. After nap we got back to opening presents, although we all became overwhelmed with all the stuff on the floor. We should have cleaned up a bit as we went. The boys quickly lost interest in the chaos and just went to play with what was out. Nicholas ate lots of candy all day and Joshua got his hands on some too. All Nicholas wanted from Santa was a purple treat that you could eat. Not sure what he had in mind, but Santa did manage to find a purple bag of M&M's and a purple bag of sweettarts so that made his day. He also got a scooter and a million other toys and clothes. Thanks family and friends. Joshua also got a car to ride on along with toys and clothes too. Nicholas and Burt took an afternoon nap together, precious, and I got a little nap in too after Joshua went down and then after he woke up Burt watched the boys while I continued to sleep. We had a wondeful day hanging out as a family. I hope you all were just as blessed as we were and are. Merry Christmas!

Handsome boys

Hanging his ornament from the childrens ornament swap.

Our loot before unwrapping.

Trying to keep Nicholas in bed a little longer.

Trying out their new rides. Gotta love Nicholas with his pant hiked up. He insisted on it being that way.

We tried to get our Christmas morning photo with the kids. Not bad considering all things.

Somehow Nicholas found a gift to open that contained chocolate. When we turned around this is what we found. The box opened, spilled and two boys grabbing for candy. It was too funny.

The disaster area.

Cute baby boy in his 1st Christmas outfit.

Our tree with all the loot unwrapped. Oh and Santa put the star on top for me too. Better late than never.

Weekend in California

Joshua and I went to California three weekends ago to visit my dear friend Marissa. She had actually just surprised me recently for my birthday by flying to Alabama, but this time around it was for her special occassion. Marissa and Adam are expecting a baby girl the end of January and a shower was held in their honor. Well, actually the shower was just girlfriends, but you know what I mean.

Marissa and me

Joshua and I left early Friday morning, hung out with Marissa and Adam that afternoon and evening, then on Saturday my mom came over to watch Joshua while we went to the baby shower. It was a wonderful afternoon filled with friends and family and lots of gifts for baby Gracie. We also enjoyed a yummy Italian meal and some great strawberry cupcakes. The hostesses went all out on the set-up too. It was a lot of fun.

Adam, Joshua and Marissa
(and yes, it was hot enough to wear shorts in November!)

Sunday we hung out in the morning and then went to Marissa's parents home for dinner- a home cooked Thai meal. Yummy. I had been looking forward to this forever and it did not disappoint. Marissa's Dad entertained Joshua the whole evening, or maybe Joshua entertained her Dad, not sure which one had more fun. He is definitely ready for a grandbaby. It was cute. He kept following Joshua around not wanting him to hurt himself by crawling, standing or anything for that matter. It has been awhile since they have had little ones in the house. It was fun to watch them.

Then, Monday morning we got up and ready and headed back to the airport to return to Alabama. We had such a good time visiting with our friends. It was a short weekend, but so worth it. I am glad I was able to take part in Marissa's baby shower and am looking forward to Gracie's arrival in January.